Resources

Hazing Misconceptions and Facts

Misconception: “We’re just having the new members run errands for us. Since no one’s getting hurt, it’s not hazing.”
Fact: Requiring others to complete tasks or errands in order to attain or maintain membership in an organization can be hazing. These behaviors emphasize a power imbalance between new members and other members of the group. This kind of personal servitude can feel humiliating or degrading for some people.

Misconception: “The new members liked seeing who could finish the bottle of alcohol first. It’s not hazing if they are having fun and they want to do it.”
Fact: Even if some students may want to participate, encouraging individuals to ingest alcohol (or food, drugs or any undesirable substance) in the context of joining or maintaining membership in a group can be hazing. When students are strongly motivated to join a group, peer pressure to participate in group activities is often heightened and power differentials between members (especially prospective and continuing members) can be exacerbated.

Misconception: “We told the new members that they didn’t have to [streak, drink, shoplift, etc.] if they didn’t want to, so it’s not hazing.”
Fact: There is no “consent” defense to hazing. When someone is strongly motivated to join a group, peer pressure to participate in group activities is often heightened and power differentials between members (especially prospective and continuing members) can be exacerbated.

Healthy vs unhealthy groups

10 Signs of Healthy Groups

This list focuses on ways healthy behaviors can manifest in groups and is structured using One Love’s 10 signs of a healthy relationship framework. These healthy signs reflect positive group environments that support belonging, inclusivity and promote the well-being and safety of group members.

1. Honesty – When you can be truthful and candid without fearing how the other group member(s) will respond. When the group is truthful about what it entails and is expected of all members.
2. Independence – When you have space to be yourself outside of the group.
3. Comfortable Pace – The relationship moves at a speed that feels enjoyable and okay for each person.
4. Trust – When you have confidence that the group won’t do anything to hurt you or ruin your experience.
5. Healthy Conflict – Openly and respectfully discussing issues and confronting disagreements non-judgmentally.
6. Fun – When you enjoy spending time together and bring out the best in each other.
7. Kindness – You are caring and empathetic to one another and provide support as needed.
8. Taking Responsibility – Owning your actions and words.
9. Respect – You value one another’s beliefs and opinions, and appreciate each other as people.
10. Equity – The relationship feels balanced and everyone puts forth their best effort, with the capacity they have, to contribute to the group’s success.

10 signs of Unhealthy Groups

This list highlights ways unhealthy behaviors can play out in groups and is structured using One Love’s 10 Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship framework.
These signs reflect how unhealthy group environments can be created through potentially harmful, degrading, humiliating, and endangering behaviors that could be considered hazing, or warning signs of hazing, and jeopardize the emotional and/or physical health, well-being, and safety of group members

1. Possessiveness – When someone is jealous to a point where they try to control who you spend time with and what you do.
2. Betrayal – When someone is disloyal or acts in an intentionally dishonest way.
3. Guilting – When someone makes you feel responsible for their actions or makes you feel like it’s your job to keep them happy.
4. Volatility – When someone has a really strong unpredictable reaction that makes you feel scared, confused, or intimidated.
5. Sabotage – When someone purposely ruins your reputation, achievements, or success.
6. Belittling – When someone does and says things to make you feel bad about yourself.
7. Manipulation – When someone tries to control your decisions, actions, or emotions.
8. Isolation – When someone keeps you away from friends, family, or other people.
9. Intensity – When someone expresses extreme feelings and over-the-top behavior that feels overwhelming.
10. Deflecting Responsibility – When someone repeatedly makes excuses for their unhealthy behavior.

adapted from StopHazing (2022). StopHazing’s 10 Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Groups: Toolkit.

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Resources